summer 2019
architectural ironmongery journal
open to ideas product innovation in architectural ironmongery
inside NEWS
Transport projects FEATURES
Interview with new GAI president CE marking clarified
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Contents
Summer 2019
news and views
News Fire door training in Nepal GAI news and AGM report An architect talks
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features
Product innovation in AI Interview: Julian Newman CPD: Employing Generation Z
16 22 25
technical
CE marking
29
new products
New launches this quarter
32
back door
When art and architecture collide
34
E d i to r i a l Pa n e l :
Julian Newman
President Email: julian@oxfordironmongery.com
Angie Corkhill Director Email: angie.corkhill@gai.org.uk
Liz Male MBE Director Liz Male Consulting Tel: +44 (0)1234 712279 Email: liz@lizmale.co.uk
Neetta Brown Senior marketing officer Email: neetta.brown@gai.org.uk TECHNICAL M ANAGER :
Douglas Masterson
Tel: +44 (0) 7469 141657 Email: douglas.masterson@gai.co.uk D e si g n a n d P r o d u ct i o n :
Atom Publishing
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7490 5595 www.atompublishing.co.uk E d i to r :
Nicky Roger Tel: +44 (0) 7704 336835 Email: nicky@atompublishing.co.uk
aij is published by The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers. BPF House, 6 Bath Place, Rivington Street, London EC2A 3JE. Telephone +44 (0)20 7033 2480. Website: www.gai.org.uk Although this magazine is the official publication of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers, claims and opinions expressed by contributors and advertisers do not necessarily reflect the official views of the GAI. Copyright The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers 2007 ISSN 0959-986x
A dv e r t i si n g m a n ag e r
David Smith
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7490 5595 dave@atompublishing.co.uk a r t e d i to r :
Heather Rugeley
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news
GEZE MAKES WAY FOR PASSENGERS GEZE UK has provided door solutions to two new transport projects. Abbey Wood, developed by architects Fereday Pollard in organic curved lines using natural materials, has been fitted with two GEZE bi-parting ECdrive automatic sliding doors doors which are incorporated in a glazed fascia, which overhangs the eaves of the great arched timber roof. ECdrives have been specifically designed for use in busy areas,where large numbers of people need to enter or exit simultaneously. The doors, which were supplied through Vitrine Systems of Surrey, were installed with pivot protection screens which allow them to slide into ‘pockets’ – an extra safety feature which reduces the risk of fingers getting caught during operation. In Scotland a new ferry terminal, created as a tourism and community gateway to the Isle of Arran, has been fitted with products also supplied by GEZE. The new development for the Ardrossan to Brodick route is part of a £30 million upgrade to the harbour. Designed by architects, Norr of Glasgow, the ship-shaped build follows
the traditional lines of a sea bearing vessel and is clad in sandstone. It sits near the water’s edge and is filled with natural light that pours through a wall of windows fitted to the ‘stern’ of its west elevation which are operated by 30 GEZE Slimchain drives. The Slimchain drives a natural ventilation system facilitated by a GEZE MBZ 300 two-zone control panel, which is integrated into the terminal’s building management system (BMS). These have been placed throughout the two-storey building including in the departure lounge, alongside the Powerchain drives on the upper vents that were chosen to operate the larger windows. The lounge benefits from a double-height room with stunning views across Brodick Bay. Stairwells were also fitted with Slimchain drives alongside GEZE OL Line manual opening systems to enable natural smoke and heat ventilation if required, and to give additional natural ventilation. Beneath the glazed western elevation are two automatic swing doors to either side. These are
powered by GEZE Slimdrive EMD-F operators – electro-mechanical drives that are extremely versatile, providing easy access for those with mobility issues. From the main entrance, accessed by its pass doors, a glazed corridor leads to a bi-parting sliding door powered by a GEZE Slimdrive SL NT operator, which leads into the foyer of the main reception area. GEZE UK worked closely with CMS Enviro Systems which installed the products for the project.
The crossrail station Abbey Wood (above) and the Isle of Arran ferry terminal (below)
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news
formula one star becomes face of brand
free locksmith training proved popular
Formula 1 star Valtteri Bottas was at the Abloy UK stand at security trade show IFSEC 2019 in June appearing as the company’s new brand ambassador. Abloy UK has lanched a new global vision: ‘Abloy – For Trust’. Aaron Yule, managing director at Abloy UK, said the racing pro reflects the rebranding which represents the firm’s digital offering. “Valtteri fits perfectly with our brand – he is trustworthy, technologically pioneering, innovative, has a first-class performance and puts teamwork at the heart of everything he does.”
A series of free training days for locksmiths and installers from Codelocks proved popular over recent weeks. The courses, held in Codelock’s Newbury head office were hands-on, practical and allowed locksmiths and installers to familiarise themselves with the company’s product line, particularly the wireless smart locks CL5510 and the CL4510. Attendees also had the chance to get to grips with the extensive
mechanical, electronic and KitLock locks in the company’s portfolio. Codelocks first introduced its locksmith training courses in 2012 and the programme continues to be successful. Feedback from professionals attending the course has been very positive with 100% of attendees agreeing that the training sessions were beneficial. Look out for more courses at www. codelocks.co.uk/training
Valtteri Bottas, Forumula 1 driver
Gallery projects secure gold for architects This year’s Schueco Gold Award at the BD Architect of the Year awards went to Jamie Fobert Architects. The Gold Award is presented to the practice that the judges deem to have made the most significant contribution to British architecture over the past year, chosen from the winners in the award’s 17 categories. The practice won for its outstanding
contribution to the Public Building category. Jamie Fobert Architects projects include new facilities to Tate St Ives, Kettle’s Yard in Cambridge and the current redevelopment on the National Portrait Gallery.
Tate St Ives secured architect a gold award
View all the winners at https://awards.bdonline.co.uk/
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news
SIMONSWERK continues global growth with Italian buy SIMONSWERK has entered a new product segment and continued its international expansion with the acquisition of the Italian Colcom Group. The hinge firm has bought Colcom Group from Italian private equity company Wise Equity SGR S.p.A. Colcom was founded in 1961 and develops, produces and distributes hinges and fittings for glass doors. It is a market-leading company in the segment for hydraulic hinges with damping and closing functions. It turned over 27 million euros in 2018 with sales in more than 50 countries. Colcom has production sites in Nave as well as several international distribution companies (Canada, Spain, Benelux). The French company Sadev is part of the group based in Annecy in France with subsidiaries in Switzerland and the US. The acquisition follows Simonswerk’s purchase of a majority stake in ANSELMI & C. S.r.l., and marks a further step in its international expansion. The company’s products are sold in 70 countries and exports accounted for 56% of turnover in the financial year 2018.
Simonswerk head office
dormakaba CELEBRATEs 40 YEARS IN IRELAND
inside the dormakaba mobile showroom
dormakaba Ireland celebrated its 40th year operating in the country at one of Ireland’s leading exhibitions in the sector – ISEC 2019. Attracting over 1200 visitors, along with the leading providers of technical solutions for security and safety needs, ISEC 2019 saw dormakaba Ireland bring its mobile showroom to the event. For 40 years, dormakaba Ireland has developed lasting relationships with customers, architects and specifiers. The company’s team contains many long-standing employees, including engineers John Kissane and David Walsh, with 25- and 20-years in the company respectively. In addition, managing director Ian Mullally is now enjoying his 18th year working for dormakaba Ireland.
YOUR MAGAZINE NEEDS YOU AIJ aims to keep members abreast of news, trends and issues affecting your work and your industry. To that end, we need you to share your stories, news, viewpoints and case studies with us and keep us in touch with developments. Please contact the editor, Nicky Roger at nicky@atompublishing.co.uk
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news
Prestigious interior design awards open for entries The annual SBID International Design Awards 2019, which showcases interior design projects, is open for entries. The deadline for submissions is 8 July. The awards recognise, reward and celebrate design excellence across 14 categories. They are evaluated by leading industry experts for their technical content and aesthetic creativity while the design-conscious public also has a say in choosing the most inspiring projects. The international panel of judges includes leaders from Bentley, BBC, Boeing, Mac Cosmetics, the National History Museum and Universal Orlando Resort. Winners and finalists enjoy free entry to a House of Lords networking event; access 20:20 Meet the Buyer; inclusion in the SBID Global Interior Design 2019 coffee table book; a winner/finalist certificate; extensive social media exposure throughout the year, and the right to use the ‘SBID Winner/Finalist 2019 logo on their website. The winners are announced at a ceremony in London in October. Enter online at www.international designexcellenceawards.com VR Park in Dubai, last year’s overall winner
GEZE UK sets new standards GEZE UK has achieved ISO 45001:2018 accreditation for Health and Safety – one of the first in the industry to gain the new award. The company is also the first of GEZE’s worldwide subsidiaries to gain the accreditation. ISO 45001 is an international standard that specifies the requirements for a management system that uses robust and effective processes for improving work safety in global supply chains and is also the world’s first international
standard for occupational health and safety. Designed to help organisations of all sizes and industries, ISO states that the new international standard is expected to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses. The four-stage process presents a vigorous certification route to document the company’s efforts towards implementing change and applying checks and balances to ensure that standards are met.
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TECTUS® Glass Minimalist hardware components for glass doors
HARBRINE CELEBRATES 25 YEARS WITH new PRODUCT LAUNCH Architectural Ironmongers Harbrine celebrated its 25th anniversary at Clerkenwell Design Week in May, where it launched its new hardware range, GEO. GEO has an industrial design inspired by geometric forms. The GEO range joins the London independent AI’s FSB offering, its Harbrine Base Range (HBR) and
Harbrine Glass Fittings (HGF) – a series of innovative products for glass doors and partitioning. The firm also delivers project solutions for luxury hotels and fine residences through its Carrson International division, who picked up the top prize at the GAI/RIBA Specification Awards this year for Adare Manor Hotel and Golf Resort.
TECTUS® Glass – Product overview
Hinge system
Harbrine used Clerkenwell Design Week to launch new range and celebrate anniversary
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Handle
Magnetic Plate
Closing Magnet
Find out more: www.tectus-glass.com
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Double design whammy in Capital
The UK’s largest design trade show 100% Design returns for its 25th anniversary edition in 2019 and will take place from 18–21 September at Olympia. The annual event attracts around 27,000 visitors from 88 countries who come to see over 400 exhibitors and listen to a programme of talks along with attending a CPD Hub. 100% Design & Build runs as a sister event and claims to be the only event to bring together highend architecture and interior design. It showcases the latest innovative glazing technology, exterior surfaces and integrated automation technology. The show takes place amid the London Design Festival which celebrates and promotes London as the design capital of the world. The Festival returns to venues and institutes across the city from 14-22 September 2019. In its 17th year there will be a programme of events and installations across the capital with the V&A as a collaborating partner and the official Festival hub. The museum will play host to a curated collection of displays and installations as well as the Design Festival’s thought leadership programme Global Design Forum, which celebrates design with a line-up of talks, debates, daily tours and workshops. www.100percentdesign.co.uk www.londondesignfestival.com
high-end hotel specifies minimalist door systems Aspex has strengthened its presence in the hotel industry, after supplying its Novista Riser doorsets to a new fivestar hotel in Leicester Square. Part of Edwardian Hotels London, The Londoner Hotel will open in 2020. Built on the site of the former Odeon Cinema West End, the 350-bedroom hotel will feature eight storeys above ground and six below ground, complete with bars and restaurants. It will also have two Odeon cinemas, event and leisure facilities. Working alongside contractor EE Smith and global architects, Woods Bagot, Aspex has supplied its Novista Riser doorsets to all of the hotel areas, providing a minimalistic and contemporary finish to match the hotel’s interior. The Novista door system has a hidden frame, which allows the door to blend in with the wall with no architraves required. The Novista Riser system is available with either a steel or timber door leaf, with a steel door frame that is concealed within the stud or block wall and is completely invisible when the door is in the closed position.
Helen Taylor, associate at Woods Bagot, said: “With approximately 470 riser doors in the project, most of which are in front of house areas, we needed a solution which would allow the doors to ‘disappear’ into the surrounding panelling and front of house finishes. Aspex has been extremely helpful during the specification process to ensure all the requirements have been met.”
The London Hotel will take prime position in Leicester Square
Security passes investigation at police station Defined as a ‘super station’, a full range of safety and security measures has been specified at a new Eastern Hampshire Police Investigation Centre in Portsmouth. Working with Hampshire Police, ASSA ABLOY High Security & Safety Group delivered a complete package of doorset solutions, including custodial doors and high performance acoustic timber doors. The new police centre integrates an investigation hub with a custody suite and accommodates over 350 staff members, as well as 36 detention cells, in operation 24/7, 365 days a year. Moira Anderson, from Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioners’
office, said the centre is part of the next generation of police facilities. “The multi-purpose use of these sites require a more extensive and varied suite of high security and safety solutions. The doorset specification installed across the site is integral to the overall performance and function of the building, at all times prioritising the safety of building users.”
The Eastern Hampshire Police Investigation Centre
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Grenfell Tower report delayed until October A report from the Grenfell Tower public inquiry into what happened on the night of the fire that killed 72 people on 14 June 2017 will not be published until October, months later than planned. The inquiry said writing the phase 1 report, originally expected in spring this year, had been “far more complex and time-consuming” than originally anticipated. The report will set out what happened on the night of 14 June 2017, including an almost minute-by-minute description of how the fire started, how it spread, and what happened on each floor of the tower. It also involves a detailed description and analysis of what was happening in the emergency services’ incident control room and on the ground. In a statement, the inquiry said: “There is a significant volume of evidence to be reviewed and detailed work to be done to ensure findings are properly tied to all relevant parts of the evidence. The chairman [Sir Martin Moore-Bick] is seeking to complete the report as soon as possible but needs to ensure he does not compromise its thoroughness and accuracy. The inquiry must also accommodate sufficient time for the rule 13 process, under which the chairman is required to send warning letters to individuals or organisations that may be subject to criticism in order to give them an opportunity to respond before the report is finalised. “The inquiry expects the rule 13 process to begin in July and that the chairman will be in a position to write to the prime minister with his final report after the parliamentary recess, for publication most likely in October.” Meanwhile, preparation for the second phase of the inquiry, which examines the refurbishment of Grenfell Tower and how it came to be in a condition that allowed a fire of this scale to occur, is continuing. Phase 2 hearings are expected to begin in January 2020. So far, the inquiry has disclosed over 36,000 documents relating to phase 2, with more tranches to be disclosed throughout this year. Those will include Building Control documents, mechanical and engineering documents relating to the lift and smoke control system, and documents relating to fire risk assessment.
mountain rescue Kevin Hulin shares his recent trip to Nepal to conduct fire door awareness training for the Gurkha regiment
I
t would be churlish to compare the feats of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay when they scaled the heights of Mount Everest, with the rather more modest trip recently undertaken to Kathmandu by the Fire Door Inspection Scheme. Nonetheless I found myself providing two days of fire door awareness training, to 17 army tradesmen who will be undertaking the installation of new fire doors on the campus at British Gurkhas Nepal. The regiment approached FDIS last year. In the first instance, I thought the email request was not genuine and consigned it to the spam folder. Thankfully due to the persistence of the Gurkha regiment, I managed to establish the request for the training was genuine, and thus arrangements were made. So, in January armed with computer, samples and best practice guides, I flew from London to Nepal via Qatar, arriving nearly 24 hours after departure. The flight took me over the Himalayas, which was accomplished without the need of a Sherpa guide, extra oxygen and an ice pick.
What followed was two intensive days conducting fire door awareness training with an audience that was committed, interested, and showed great patience, listening to a man with a cockney accent”
Unbeknown to me, I was sharing the flight with the base Commander and his wife, but realised this when the welcoming party at the airport, were clearly there to meet and greet their boss and not me! A normal business trip would see the visitor billeted in a high-end hotel, but in this case the regiment provided one of its up-market suites comprising a single bed, sheets, scratchy blankets, and a small table and chair. The toilets and showers were shared with the regiment, an excellent way of getting to know people even if my ability to speak Nepali, Kami, or Newari is limited or, more to the point, non-existent. What followed was two intensive days conducting fire door awareness training with an audience that was committed, interested, and showed great patience, listening to a man with a cockney accent talking about intumescent, fire resisting glazing, closers, hinges, and other essential fire door components. This could not have been easy for them, as most people in the UK have trouble understanding me. At the end of the second day, a series of questions were asked of the audience, and they answered each one correctly. One technology they were suspicious of, was how intumescent materials react when subjected to heat. This led to delegates and others, summoned from the camp to go to the workshop, where an intumescent air damper grille and some door seals were subjected to the full force of an oxygen acetylene torch. Both the damper and the seals expanded with great volumes of graphite material mushrooming and spewing forth. Not exactly a BS EN 1634 fire test, but it seemed to convince the gathered throng that these products do play an important role within the mechanics of fire resisting doors. All of the personnel concerned at the camp should be applauded for their patience, hospitality, and friendliness. An evening out in a nightclub, that cost me the equivalent of £10, with some of the regiment, is another article entirely. n
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news
g a i ta l k
angie corkhill
As you may have heard, the research phase of One Future Vision (OFV) initiative is complete. This will be used to inform the future of the GAI and its sister organisation, the IAI. We’ve learned so much from the interviews, focus groups and the responses to the online survey. Thank you to everyone that took part. And it won’t surprise you to hear that there was, and still is, a lot of confusion about the different roles of the two bodies. From the research it’s clear that many people support the idea of one brand new organisation that utilises the best parts of the GAI and the IAI, and which builds on our heritage to create a new international association with increased impact and influence. Feedback shows that members hugely value our technical support – things like updates on changing standards, access to the technical helpline and templates for statutory documentation. Also valued across the world is our education programme, CPD programme and local branch meetings. So we know what we need to keep investing in. The next phase of OFV work will be focussing on how we bring the two organisations together. We have already established working groups that will be looking in greater detail at our long term strategy, membership offering and education programmes. But the end of the research phase absolutely does not mean the end of our listening phase. In fact, as we move on to the next stages of the OFV work, it is more important than ever that you let us know your thoughts on the future of the GAI and IAI. The OFV initiative will not be rolled out overnight. We will continue to communicate and work with members to ensure that everyone understands the changes to our organisations over the coming months. Look out for updates here, in our e-newsletters, at local events and on the GAI website.
Angie Corkhill Director
What is the true cost of ironmongery in construction? The GAI will be conducting research to find out how much of a construction project’s costs can be attributed to architectural ironmongery and how much is now being spent on maintenance.The project will be led by GAI technical manager, Douglas Masterson. “A commonly used statistic in the industry is that ironmongery accounts for 1% of the construction project’s cost, but 80% of ongoing maintenance costs,” says Douglas. “This statistic was provided by the UK property services agency in the 1980s, and we feel that it’s time to update this to get a better reflection of the current value of
door and window hardware in the construction process, as well as the financial impact it has on the ongoing maintenance of a building.” As part of the research the GAI will be engaging with architects, quantity surveyors, contractors, member companies, end users and facilities management companies to get improved data, and will publish its research later in the year.
Five free specifiers’ guides coming soon
Architects, designers and contractors will soon be able to access a series of new specifiers’ guides that will help with the specification process for five key areas of ironmongery. Advice on hardware security standards, accessibility, fire and escape doors, specialist applications and access control will be available to download, free of charge, from the GAI website this summer. The guides have been written specifically for specifiers and buyers of door and window hardware, to draw
attention to potential risks and how to avoid them, as well as giving advice on choosing and working with an architectural ironmonger. Each guide complements the GAI’s existing CPD presentations on the same topics. As the presentations are RIBA-approved, architects will receive double learning points for attending a presentation of these CPDs. For further information visit www.gai.org.uk
NEW Full members NEW Affiliate members: l Loctrade Sdn Bhd, Malaysia NEW Associate members:
l Master Locksmiths
Association, UK
l QicTrims Ltd, UK l Mirka (UK) Ltd, UK
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news
Another year of growth for GAI and IAI
Major change announced at GAI Conference More than 50 members of the GAI and IAI met for the GAI AGM and Conference in June. Top of the agenda was the news that the GAI and IAI are to merge and a brand new organisation to represent the architectural ironmongery industry is taking shape. The creation of a new “inclusive, robust and inspiring” organisation – as yet unnamed – is one of the main decisions to come out from the One Future Vision initiative, conference delegates heard. One Future Vision was a change programme first proposed at the GAI Conference three years ago. As Julian Newman, new GAI president explained: “It was born from the concerns that, in a fast-changing business environment for architectural ironmongers and the construction industry we serve, the GAI and the IAI were at risk of having much less influence and impact. We already knew there was confusion about the different roles of the GAI and the IAI and we suspected there were new, more agile ways of organising ourselves that would allow us to improve what we do for members.” There has been extensive member input and a stakeholder research programme.
More than 140 people took part in personalised interviews and focus groups, and another 481 people took part in an online survey in February. Four new working groups are now thrashing out the details of the main changes ahead – covering membership, governance, education and marketing. Questions were also raised about the potential impact on IAI members from the One Future Vision project. GAI director Angie Corkhill reassured IAI members that the changes would retain the value of the Institute. “Institute members said they valued most our CPD content, access to local branch meetings, and the professional and public recognition that comes from association with the Institute. These are elements that we must protect in the new organisation. The new organisation is being created to provide benefits to individuals as well as businesses.” To stay updated on One Future Vision and the development of the new organisation, check out the FAQs on the GAI website. Presentations on the results of the One Future Vision research will also be given at IAI branch meetings.
Despite a year of significant political and economic uncertainties in the UK, the GAI and IAI fared well and saw further growth in all key areas of the business, the GAI reported to members at its AGM at the end of June. GAI director Angie Corkhill provided an update on the year in numbers. These included the news that the GAI now provides 115 publications or pieces of technical guidance for members on its website. There are also six RIBA-approved CPDs for use by members, 16 guides to standards and 33 technical briefings. The GAI received 288 technical enquiries, three quarters of which were related to products, how they perform and how they can be used. Over 350 people took exams to progress their studies in the GAI education programme. They came from 23 countries around the world, with almost half of all students coming from outside the UK, including a high number of learners in the United Arab Emirates, China, India, Hong Kong and South Africa. The GAI now has more than 2,500 GAI Diploma holders around the world, and 160 Registered Architectural Ironmongers which is a 19 per cent increase on last year. There were 48 IAI branch meetings held in 2018. Turning to PR and communications, Angie was able to report on “the best year ever”. The GAI and IAI received 246 pieces of media coverage in 2018, up from 200 the year before.
Guild names its new President Julian Newman has been appointed as the new president of the GAI. Julian is the managing director of Oxford Ironmongery. He started his career in architectural ironmongery as a sales representative with Henderson Hardware, and has taken on a series of roles since then that are all focused on demonstrating the value of architectural hardware and progressing professional standards in the industry. Coming into the role with a clear agenda for change, Julian will lead the major new developments currently underway at the GAI and IAI as part of the One Future Vision initiative. See page 22 for an interview with Julian. Other senior appointments confirmed at the GAI’s AGM included Mario Del-Signore, managing director at CES Security Solutions, who takes on the role of GAI vice president, and Steve Bewick, senior vice president at dormakaba UK, who becomes the GAI’s treasurer.
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opinion
Opinion Paul Rees
I
n my first column, I mentioned how significant changes, including social, political, financial and technological have occurred during my working life. We are all aware, change is inevitable, and some say necessary, in order for us to adapt to the demands of society. Product innovation is sometimes inspiring; just look at the ongoing progression of the mobile phone. Yet occasionally, the outcome of some inventions may not be as beneficial as first appears. For some time I’ve been wondering if these changes are driven as a result of society’s demands, or are our demands changing because of these external influences. As events throughout the world occur, they motivate individuals, companies and organisations to research and develop solutions to problems they have identified. Through social media and other public advertising, these products are promoted and sold far beyond their country of origin. However, I increasingly find myself questioning whether or not some of the apparent difficulties are really a problem and did they need a ‘solution’? Equally questionable is the desire some people have to own the latest version of something despite their existing item being more than adequate or suitable for their needs. Part of the problem is that product innovation and development has caused our expectations to increase. As an architect, I find myself sometimes frustrated at the length of time it takes to render a 3D image of our latest building project, yet when compared to how long it took 10 or even just five years ago, it’s not comparable. We have all become
AN architect talks
Is innovation driven by need or are we being sold an idea? Paul Rees ponders drivers of change
Part of the problem is that product innovation has caused our expectations to increase. We have become used to things happening faster and faster. Is the current rate of innovation sustainable?”
used to things happening faster and faster; both professionally and personally, and subconsciously, have become a little more impatient as a result. Obviously there have been numerous developments that make our lives easier, but that’s part of the issue. Is easier necessarily better? Earlier this year I attended a RIBA seminar on ‘designing neighbourhoods for the future’ where the speaker suggested our homes may require access points for drones to enter and land to deliver purchased goods, including take-aways, etc. Plausible, but then the thought of all those openings in the elevations of mid-high rise buildings up and down the country somehow seems wrong; like we’re being pigeon-holed in our flats and encouraged not to leave. We are urged to own these gadgets, some of which are only fleetingly used and then discarded. The size of our homes cannot continue to expand to contain these items. The desire for larger dwellings to accommodate our unnecessary products is causing a reaction that has not gone unnoticed by some developers; especially in tandem with the ongoing need for more homes. Large buildings are increasingly being converted into small apartments with shared social spaces, providing personal living areas large enough for ‘the basics’ and offering privacy, whilst providing other facilities to meet new and existing friends. Similarly, it seems more people are commissioning smaller homes, due to a desire to escape the increasing technological intrusions as much as financial constraints. It raises the question, is the current rate of product innovation sustainable? n
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Pushing the envelope Where is the genuine product innovation coming from in the AI industry? Nicky Roger investigates
E
very once in a while new technology, an old problem and a big idea collide and generate innovation. Pencillin, the lightbulb, the telephone, the Internet – the list of inventions that have genuinely improved life and mankind is huge. But in this age where tech develops at warp speed and products get new iterations every day it’s becoming harder to distinguish when something
is a genuine innovation, when it is actually pushing the envelope and making a step change in its market or when it’s merely an upgrade. Architectural ironmongery and architecture is no different. New ideas abound but what is really breaking the mould? The GAI posed this question by introducing a product design innovation category to its Specification Awards this year – designed to
recognise new ideas in the industry. The winners (see p20) give a taste of the direction of change. Häfele took joint second place for its Smart Entrance, and the firm was keen to point out how it is a level up from just a new product. “At Häfele, innovation is in our DNA,” says Mike Kelly, head of projects and AI sales at Häfele UK. “All too often product design is about the quick
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aesthetically pleasing alternatives to the instituionalised, hospital-style options currently on the market.
route to the cheapest option. We want to create and provide solutions that are architecturally driven and which place aesthetics and functionality at the very heart of design. “Our Smart Entrance touch-to-open solution exemplifies this approach. This is not simply a new latch system. Here is a solution that effectively changes the way people enter a room, utilising smartphone touchcontrol technology to deliver sleek open and close functionality.” Intended for high-end residential projects, Smart Entrance blends aesthetics and function in a modern, minimalist way to complement concealed design concepts. “But this is not simply a good-looking alternative to traditional entrance fittings,” says Kelly. “The solution can play a key role in situations where residents don’t necessarily have the mobility or dexterity to turn handles and pull levers. Opening and closing doors is something we all do everyday without too much thought. For us, innovation means re-imagining the everyday,” Kelly adds. Paul Martin at dline Eisenware – the firm which brought to market the much-copied and specified iconic range of Danish hardware in 1971 – agrees that it’s not enough to launch a new product and call it innovation. “You can’t reinvent the wheel: a doorknob is a doorknob and trends in colours are not innovation.” However, like Häfele, dline is capitalising on smartphone
technology to create the next stage of innovative product. It’s working with a Danish architect practice to develop Friday, a keyless phone-based entry for the consumer market, for people’s homes. It’s also launching a barrier-free range in its sanitary ware lines, targeting an ageing society that wants high function and more
Hands-off: Innovation is coming from keyless and touchfree access
You can’t reinvent the wheel: a doorknob is a doorknob and trends in colours are not innovation”
Feeling secure However, while hands-free access is where innovation lies it is also creating a new opportunity for further product development in security around the technology. Andreas Haeberli, chief technology officer at dormakaba, points to a report from the BBC that shows an increase in relay attack car theft – when thieves get one over on keyless access. This is at its highest in 10 years with four of the five best-selling cars in the UK vulnerable to relay attack. The thieves fool these systems with special devices, allowing them to enter the vehicle and drive away. Companies such as 3db Access, a Swiss start-up company in which dormakaba is investing, have developed a low power, secure technology, called UWB, which prevents such attack from being executed successfully, while still providing the ultimate convenience of hands-free access. “The first cars that use UWB technology for keyless access are hitting the roads now and the momentum is growing,” says
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The flexibility and accessibility that the cloud offers means we’re only just scratching the surface with these systems”
Andreas. “It can be expected that UWB technology will become a key technology for convenient yet secure access control for cars and buildings within the next few years.”
security they offer either. The nature of these systems allows for additional use in some unusual but highly beneficial scenarios – think forklift operators, parking gates and even drug cabinets in hospitals and onduty ambulances. “The flexibility and accessibility that the cloud offers means we’re only just scratching the surface with these systems. The cloud is revolutionary for access control and we can expect new innovations and ideas to build upon the features that these systems already offer us.” Wayne Drummond, director at Turnstyle Designs, agrees that the market is seeing an increased requirement for access control solutions, particularly in hospitality and residential sectors. But, he says, technology for their business means
allowing them to push the design envelope. “Innovation for Turnstyle is all about texture, materials and finishes rather than advances in technology or function. We have embraced various innovative product development techniques including computer modelling and 3D printing which have enabled us to push the boundaries with some of our unique materials.” Using technology to improve aesthetics is also something Paul Martin wants to see, especially for the consumer market and high-end residential. “The DIY stores stock chinese imported handles and they are not offering the market something nice. They could do so much better.” And perhaps they will once the innovations in place now reach the mass market. n
Hidden secret: Simonswerk’s Tectus system keeps hinges out of view
Every cloud Trevor Ball, business development manager UK & Ireland at Allegion UK picks up the security issue and says we’ll see more cloud-based access control systems linked to our door hardware than ever before. “Traditionally, we’ve seen access control systems come in the form of conventional lock and key methods, electronic systems or a combination of the two. For those who have combined the two, cybersecurity presents itself as a new security demand to be considered,” he says. “As with most internet-connected systems, today’s access control systems are at risk to cyber-attacks. This presents an opportunity for innovations that can offer facilities advanced security on two fronts – both physical and digital. We’re already seeing this with cloud-based systems. Many facilities are integrating them into their systems as they’re more secure than on-site network security solutions. And it’s not just enhanced digital 18 • architectural ironmongery journal
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cover story
PRODUCTS ON THE PODIUM The winners of the GAI/RIBA Specification Awards product design innovation category.
From left to right: Tectus Glass from Simonswerk; Guardian by Exidor, Smart Entrance from Häfele, and ASSA ABLOY’s Cam-Motion Door Closer
First Tectus Glass, Simonswerk
This new glass door hinge system delivers a minimalist appearance, allowing for maximum transparency and unlike patch fitting products currently available for glass doors, there is no predrilling of the glass required. Door leaf and frame lie in one plane, it boasts a concealed hinge system and generous glazing gives the glass door unprecedented light and transparency. The flush surface of the door leaf, frame and hinge creates a contemporary interior design concept. The system includes a magnetic closure and handle with the advantage that the entire assembly requires no glass processing.
JOINT SECOND GUARDIAN BY EXIDOR
This electromagnetic door closer offers two unique safety features designed to cater specifically for the needs of residential rooms in care homes with its ‘anti-slam’ and ‘drift resistance’ features. They allow the doors to be opened and closed freely during normal use, which can be particularly helpful to frail residents or people with disabilities. Additionally, free-swing closers offer better control for residents than a door closer or electromagnetic hold open solution, as it allows residents the privacy to close their bedroom door, or leave it partially open as required.
In the event of a fire, power is cut to the unit, releasing it and allowing the closer to ensure the safe closing of the door to maintain the fire protection needs. The free swing mode of a closer can allow a door to slam shut. Regardless as to whether this is accidental, deliberate or just caused by a draught, it poses a real risk to residents and care home workers. Exidor’s Guardian closer has been developed with an inbuilt anti-slam function which controls and slows the motion of the door - thus removing this potential hazard. If a door is unbalanced it can naturally swing open or closed, or it can swing with a draught. This can result in a resident wedging the door open – meaning that in the event of a fire the door will not shut and the passive fire compartmentalisation of the building is compromised. The Guardian closer uses hydraulics to offer a low level control on the door, which stops it from drifting from its open position, at the same time as allowing it to operate freely to the user. Thus the desire to wedge the door open is eradicated.
JOINT SECOND Smart Entrance, Häfele
Touch to open will change the way you enter a room. The Smart Entrance is not a security device, and acts only as a smart latch application using modern technology.
The Smart Entrance Touch to Open latch system comprises a set of designer flush/low projecting handles with an electronic mortice lock using four AAA micro alkaline batteries. The complete set contains the necessary spindles and plug connections, and magnetic striker to connect to the handles. Predominantly for high end residential use. Simply touching the Smart Entrance handle activates the electronic mortice lock to retract the magnetic latch bolt to allow the door to swing open. On closing the door, the magnetic latch bolt shoots into the magnetic striker supplied. The human touch on the handle is enough to open/retract the latch to allow the door to be opened. The technology used is similar to the use of touch lamps or smartphones. The Smart Entrance technology involved is a capacitive touch sensor, utilised for a latch operation in this instance. It blends aesthetics and function in a modern minimalist way to complement concealed design concepts. It is also future proof: we are all getting older and the Smart Entrance contact handles allow those with mobility or dexterity issues to pass through a door without problems, and no need for door modifications whilst contributing to modern door and hinges concealed design requirements.
The variety of door handle options gives doors a new look and promotes openness to new ideas for aesthetics and materials for door veneer choice.
THIRD DC700G-FT SECURITY CAM-MOTION® DOOR CLOSER, ASSA ABLOY
The ASSA ABLOY DC700G-FT Security Door Closer combines all the function of a CamMotion® door closer with access control. Not only is this more aesthetically pleasing it removes the complexity of trying to match the relevant door closer with the relevant locking solution. It also avoids secondary bracketry (z-angles) for the locking device which further detracts from the installation and look. Furthermore it was designed to be multifunctional by having delayed action and or hold open options, plus it strived to meet stringent legislation in particular where escape route doors require access and egress control. This was the world’s first door closer with a combined locking solution and the cover re-design won a German Design Council 2018 Iconic Awards for Innovative Architecture under the door fittings category. See all the the Specification Award winners at www.gai.org. uk/events-117/ai-specificationawards-2019
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interview
the leading edge This year Julian Newman takes over as GAI president and celebrates the 40th anniversary of Oxford Ironmongery. Here he shares his thoughts on both and views on the industry’s challenges
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hat is your agenda as GAI president? What can members expect from your stint at the helm? First and foremost, it is our ‘One Future Vision’ (OFV) [The root and branch review of how the GAI operates and delivers to members]. This process has been in progress for maybe as long as four years now but has accelerated over the last 12 months since we contracted DS&F to undertake extensive member research. We’re on a very exciting journey and the end is on the horizon. My commitment during my tenure will be to ensure the transition from the GAI & IAI to the new organisation is successful and we can present an organisation which will champion the architectural hardware (AH) sector to the whole of the construction industry. I’m confident that the outcome of OFV will be embraced by the whole of the AH sector. The new organisation will raise and enhance the image of the AH industry creating opportunities for all of its members. What are the biggest challenges for members currently? Firstly, the divisions between AIs and other sectors of the construction industry are becoming blurred. I’m thinking specifically of AIs who now offer doorsets and door manufacturers who now offer hardware to go on their doors. Also the bigger groups are acquiring manufacturers and there may be
Divisions between AIs and other sectors of the construction industry are becoming blurred. Also bigger groups acquiring manufacturers raises the question of what an OEM actually is” some conflict between them and more traditional AIs. It raises the contentious question of what a OEM (original equipment manufacturer) actually is . Secondly – and I am going to say it – Brexit. We’ve already seen above-inflation price rises from a lot of manufacturers who import from Europe and other overseas areas. My own view is that Brexit has created a prolonged feeling of economic uncertainty which has an adverse effect on investment decisions. Until this mess can be resolved and brought to a satisfactory conclusion I fear we may be facing a serious recession.
Oxford Ironmongery’s move towards high-end residential projects has paid dividends for the business
Tell us about your own business, Oxford Ironmongery. This year Oxford Ironmongery celebrates 40 years of trading; we’re all very proud to have reached this milestone. Over the past couple of years we have refocused our direction away from retail back to where we perceive our strengths are – working with architects and interior designers. We have also carved a niche in the restoration of period properties and high end residential projects. An Oxford Ironmongery period property project
What is your style of leadership? I’m a liberal by nature and politically so I’d like to think of my management as inclusive. I’m open to ideas and like to talk things through before making decisions that hopefully everyone is comfortable buying into. What do you do in your spare time? I’m quite a social animal and enjoy a broad circle of friends, so spending time with friends is important. My wife and I both share an interest in community theatre, Fran’s better at the acting side and I enjoy the production design. I’ve also been involved with local politics for many years and currently chair the parish council in our village. n
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e all have a responsibility to make sure that we are doing the right thing to encourage and attract young people into the industry… If students and young people were made aware of the opportunities from the beginning, they may consider entering the sector…” Anyone struggling to attract a good supply of educated, talented young people to join their construction business, architectural practice or hardware warehouse will be very familiar with that sentiment. But that quote didn’t come from someone in the construction industry. That was the boss of Mulberry handbags. And there are countless identical quotes and headlines from the past 12 months all decrying the skills crisis from sectors as diverse as IT, engineering, hospitality, tourism, law, medicine, marketing, agriculture and the armed forces. So think we’re not in a battle for talent? Think again. It’s a fiercely competitive market out there. The uncomfortable truth is that construction careers, including architectural ironmongery or hardware manufacturing, are not top of mind among most of today’s 16 or 18 year olds. They never were. The vast majority of people in the industry arrived here by lucky accident, finding an area of business in which they could make a good living, and in niche markets where they could excel. Construction is not going to suddenly become sexy in the next 12 months. And you’ve got vacancies to fill. So rather than beating ourselves up about the ‘image of construction’ and complaining about how architecture and buildings are not celebrated enough on the telly, what can we
Winning the war for talent Liz Male gives tips on how the construction industry can attract Gen Z into jobs
do to create more opportunities for those lucky accidents? What practical tips can we glean about the new generation now entering the workforce and how we can get a few more of them heading our way? Understanding Gen Z Everything comes down to understanding the nature of the beast we’re trying to communicate with. Generation Z (also known as Gen Z or the Post-Millennials) are those born from 1996 to 2010, or thereabouts. They’re said to be the biggest population by far, and they are arriving in a workplace near you right now. As a mother of teenagers who fall into this group and an employer of graduates and apprentices of the same age, I’m lucky enough to get a fairly close-up view of this generation’s views. There’s no doubt that they look at things very differently from the Baby Boomers or bosses like me who come from the Generation X cohort. Therefore, when it comes to the way we choose as an industry to communicate and engage with Gen Z, we need to respect their very distinct characteristics: Knowledge on demand The first thing to understand is that this generation has never known life before smartphones or social media. They live with their phones surgically attached. These devices are now exobrains, delivering instant access to the information they want and need, in the palm of their hands, 24/7. So the key questions for us as wannabe employers are: how easily is our careers information found online, how does it look on a smartphone, how interesting is it to view, and how easily can it be shared on social media?
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This generation of young people are much more interested in marketing and communication that focuses on them as individuals and centres on real people” To you and me, this generation seem ridiculously impatient, with very short attention spans. But Gen Z has been proven to process information more independently and faster than any preceding generation. So this demands of us that we communicate fast, with clarity and impact. It needs to be frictionless. Traditional media is dead Research in my own communications agency is telling us loud and clear that most print media is not reaching young people anymore. And anything behind a paywall is equally inaccessible. It’s a real worry when good journalism has to be paid for, and fake news thrives on clickbait and misleading headlines that travel too fast. Freely accessible online media may have a chance to reach them, but as stated earlier, it had better be good content that’s easily found by search. Similarly Gen Z doesn’t watch TV. They far prefer YouTube and Netflix for offering instant control over what they are watching, and access to seemingly endless, personalised content. So my advice is to think visual, and think video. Hand the camera to a young person who’s already working with you, and get them to tell the story of a career in your sector. Encourage their creativity, and make sure it’s uploaded to YouTube freely available and fully optimised for search. Tailoring content for social media “Facebook is for old people”, the teenagers say. Twitter is boring, and most haven’t even heard of LinkedIn. These are the consistent results from our surveys of young people at schools’ careers fairs. Their preferences instead are Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.
Gen up on employing Gen Z
After witnessing Millennials struggle with student debt and graduate unemployment some teens are skipping university altogether, so you may be welcoming Generation Z to the workforce sooner than you expect. And how you attract and retain them is going to be different to what you may be used to. l Companies must deliver an exceptional candidate experience. Gen Z is much less likely to do business with a company where they have had a poor experience as a job applicant than previous generations. l Employers should also utilise innovative technology. A new generation requires new recruiting tactics. AI, machine learning, and analytics have changed the recruiting landscape. Pymetrics uses neuroscience games and bias-
free artificial intelligence (AI) to predictively match people with jobs where they’ll perform at the highest levels. Google Hire is a recruiting app that helps distribute jobs, identify and attract candidates, build relationships, and manage the interview process. Some recruitment services offer chatbots that automate the process from CV to interview. Innovative recruiting tools such as these will give companies a competitive advantage when recruiting Gen Z. l Companies should be actively managing their employer brand. Seventy percent of candidates look to company reviews before they make career decisions and 69% are likely to apply to a job if the employer actively manages its employer brand (e.g. responds to reviews, updates their profile, shares updates.
But Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are still very good channels to get information to their parents and to school careers advisers, all of whom have a strong influence on job choices even today. So the point is, we need to tailor our content accordingly. Different types of messages are needed for different social media channels. Face-to-face is a winner Interestingly, there is a trend among some young people to log off social media altogether. And there is no doubt that Gen Z expects and craves authenticity. This generation of young people are much more interested in marketing and communication that focuses on them as individuals and
l Employers
must promote diversity and inclusion. Seventyseven percent of Gen Z say that a company’s level of diversity affects their decision to work there. Also to retain Gen Z, create a more fluid organization. Seventy-five percent of Gen Z would be interested in a situation in which they could have multiple roles within one place of employment. Growing up with ubiquitous connectivity, evolving mobile technology, and in a growing gig economy has altered how Gen Z views employment. Gen Z will question what it is to be an employee. To be positioned as an ideal employer in the eyes of Gen Z, companies should consider becoming more fluid by using rotational programs, shadowing, and offering more learning and development opportunities. l Offering robust professional development opportunities is critical. Gen Z grew up with YouTube, the world’s largest on-demand how-to video library, at their fingertips, which means organizations must offer innovative solutions to appease their appetite for on-demand learning, delivered in mini-bursts of 2-15 minutes. Source: Forbes.com
centres on real people, rather than unattainable ideals. They are wary of brands or businesses peddling a glossy image. They are more than aware of the toxic effect of societal expectations and fake marketing on their self-esteem. Consequently, never forget the power of good old face-to-face communications – the open day, the site visit, the presentation at school, the mock interviews, the careers fair, the work experience days. Show the personal contact, mentoring, networking and senior access your jobs provide – these things are very important to Gen Z. n For more tips, go to www.lizmale.co.uk/lmc2
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technical
The GAI has recently updated the Technical Briefing on CE marking of doorsets and have also published a new GAI Guide to fire door standards”
On your marks
Douglas Masterson clears up confusion surrounding CE marking
T
Douglas Masterson
here has been a huge amount of debate recently in the ironmongery industry relating to CE marking of product. This article will clarify a number of these issues including CE marking of internal fire-rated doorsets, the proposed change of mandate M/101 of the
Construction Products Regulation as well as the potential arrival of UKCA (UK Conformity Assessment) Marking. It should be noted that any dates reported were accurate at time of going to press but can be subject to change depending on political developments over the next number of months.
CE marking of internal fire rated doorsets GAI last reported on this issue in the Winter 2018 edition of AIJ and a significant development has occurred since then. The long awaited standard EN 14351-2 for doorsets has now been published as of November 2018. This is the product standard for performance characteristics of internal pedestrian doorsets and is the standard which the industry has awaited in order for internal fire rated doorsets to be able to be CE marked to EN 16034:2014. It should be noted that although this standard has been published, until it has been cited in the Official Journal of European Union (OJEU) it will still not be possible to CE mark internal fire rated doorsets. Depending on the date of citation there is the possibility that the date for mandatory CE marking for internal fire-rated doorsets could be delayed further beyond the current date of November 2019. It is important to note that both door assemblies and doorsets continue to be accepted in the marketplace. The essential differences are as follows: A fire door set is defined as “a complete unit consisting of a door frame or leaves, supplied with all essential parts from a single source.” Whereas a fire door assembly is defined as “a complete assembly as installed including door frame and one or more leaves, together with its essential hardware supplied from separate sources.” GAI has recently updated the Technical Briefing on CE marking of doorsets and has also published a
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new GAI Guide to fire door standards which provides further detail on relevant standards including EN 16034, EN 16035 and BS 8214. These are all available in the members’ section of the GAI website. We will continue to keep members updated in this important area as matters develop. Proposed change of mandate M/101 of CPR and CE marking The mandate M/101 of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) is currently under review. A draft document has been published by CEN which omits mandatory CE marking for hinges to EN 1935, mechanical locking devices to EN 12209 and electromechanical locking devices to EN 14846. GAI issued a member survey in October 2018 which asked for both GAI and IAI members’ opinions in relation to this topic, asking which existing harmonised standards should remain under the CPR, as well as their opinion on the necessity of CE marking of product relating to fire and escape doors. This was met with a huge response with a vast majority in favour of retaining all current harmonised standards. This allowed a document to be prepared on behalf of the GAI and IAI membership detailing the members’ strength of feeling and this was shared with BSI Committees B538/1, B538/4 and also with CEN TC33/ WG4 Committee in Europe. It should be noted that no decisions have been made as yet on the continuation of CE marking of hinges and locks and GAI will continue to keep members informed further on this important issue. UK Conformity Assessed (UKCA) Marking If the UK leaves the EU without a deal, MHCLG (UK Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government) will be introducing a UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) mark on 31 October 2019 i.e. the day after the UK leaves the EU (this date subject to final confirmation).
The UKCA marking is the new UK product marking that will be used, subject to parliamentary approval, for certain goods which are currently subject to CE marking and which are being placed on the UK market if the UK leaves the EU without a deal.”
The UKCA marking is the new UK product marking that will be used, subject to parliamentary approval, for certain goods which are currently subject to CE marking and which are being placed on the UK market if UK leave the EU without a deal. This would include many of the products covered under harmonised European standards in the ironmongery industry. It is envisaged that for a time-limited period (still to be determined) that existing CE marking will be allowed. However, once this period has expired anyone wishing to place product on the UK market will have to use the new UKCA mark. The UKCA marking will not be recognised on the EU market, therefore CE marking will also still continue to be required for anyone placing a product covered by a harmonised standard on the European market. In other words, there is the potential that relevant products will have to be covered by CE and UKCA marking simultaneously. The UK approval certificate for UKCA marking will be issued only by the UK approved bodies listed by MHCLG. All current UK Notified Bodies for both testing and Certification will be asked if they wish to become UK approval bodies listed on the MHCLG web-site. Only those approved will be listed for issuing the UK approval mark, in a similar fashion to the European Commission and NANDO. The current version of the Construction Products Regulation will be placed into UK law the day after the UK leaves the EU, but there may be parts removed afterwards where it is felt it doesn’t suit the UK. The UK will not have to accept any new versions of the CPR when it is revised by the Commission. n There is a GAI Technical Briefing on this topic which is available to download from the GAI members section of the website. If you have any other questions, then please feel free to email technical@gai.org.uk.
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new products New Brio folding door hardware system gets heavy Allegion’s Brio brand range has grown with the addition of Weatherfold 5c, an exterior bottom-rolling system that handles panels up to 80Kg weight in any commercial or residential site. Brio Weatherfold 5c eliminates the need for a reinforced structural beam above the opening, as the weight of the door is carried by the bottom rollers. The rollers are large in diameter, horizontal and come standard with stainless steel precision bearings. The Brio Weatherfold 5c is also designed to handle this increased weight in either timber or aluminum door panels. The system is also fully self-cleaning eradicating the typical problem with bottom rolling systems of contamination of dirt, grit or other matter, which effects the rolling efficiency of the system. The system can also create openings up to 3m high and 16m wide and has reduced the height of the sill. This lower threshold not only benefits the end user as there is less of a step over, but also the joinery
manufacturer as a smaller bottom frame is needed. Brio Weatherfold 5c has completed extensive corrosion resistance tests conducted in an industry standard salt spray chamber. It uses the highest quality corrosion resistant materials. All components are constructed using 300 series stainless steel, with the cast items in 316 grade. To further safeguard against corrosion, all visual stainless-steel surfaces undergo a passivation process and all cast stainless components are electro-polished. These processes greatly reduce and eliminate surface discolouration often referred to as ‘tea-staining’. The Weatherfold 5c premium finish of Satin Stainless provides another level of protection from the elements and further enhances the system’s durability. The Brio Weatherfold 5c also incorporates the 286-locking system as standard for added security. www.briouk.com
Sound advice from Norseal Norseal has launched an updated version of its Acoustic Selector to help specifiers find the right door and seal combination to match their project’s acoustic requirements. The firm carried out more than 400 sound attenuating tests with a variety of door types and seal configurations. Doors with an acoustic rating are being increasingly specified in commercial,
healthcare, education and industrial settings, as well as residential. Ordinary fin or brush seals will often not do the job of blocking sound from passing through the gaps around the door. Norseal supplies a range of acoustic seals solutions including Complete Sealing System which provides smoke and draft protection as well as acoustic insulation around the full
perimeter of most sliding door applications. The new Norseal Acoustic Selector is available online and hosts all acoustic test reports and production information in one place. Once the correct seal has been identified a CAD, fitting guide or certification for any seal configuration can be downloaded.
The 715 outside access device can be supplied either with or without a cylinder and also features a key retention model, so that the key cannot be removed without
first locking the door. The 715 product brochure can be viewed on the Exidor website or call 01543 578661 for further details.
www.acousticselector.com
Exidor heads outside Exidor has launched a new 715 Outside Access Device. Designed to work with the Exidor 700 series range of panic and emergency escape hardware, the 715 has been purposefully designed to meet the demands of a high security environment and has successfully been tested to LPS1175 security rating 4. Built primarily from stainless steel this high security unit can be supplied in either solid stainless steel or RAL7016 as standard, with other finishes available on request.
www.exidor.co.uk
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UNION adorns exits with accessories and launches access control to meet new BS standard UNION has launched a new range of accessories for its ExiSAFE panic exit devices (PEDs), which can be used in public and commercial buildings. The new accessories range comprises extended length shoot bolts for doors up to 3100mm, replacement parts for outside access devices, keeps for different door materials, service items for panic and latch models, and alarm connectors for bolts. The accessories meet BS EN 179 or BS EN 1125 for assured security and safety, while also being independently accredited by Certifire and CE Marked as standard. UNION has also launched CodeGUARD 5, the first access control device available to meet the new BS 8607 grade 5 standards. Grade 4 – previously the highest level – could only meet the required standard with the help of an additional integral locking unit. In contrast, a grade 5 device delivers a ‘one-stop’ security and
access control solution, where the latch and lock are integrated and tested together. As a result, CodeGUARD 5 offers users an automatic deadlocking unit, whereas a grade 4 product is reliant on key holders to lock a door.
CodeGUARD 20mm deadlocking latch means it will not succumb to the kind of physical attacks that mechanical push button locks typically undergo, such as a crowbar being placed between a frame and lock to force a door open. Furthermore, the mechanical push button lock system is secured through more than 2,000 code combinations. The new CodeGUARD 5 solution is also ideal for perimeter security applications. The system has undergone a salt spray test for 240 hours to demonstrate its capabilities in highly corrosive environments, with its aesthetics and performance unaffected over time. Suitable for 30- and 60-minute timber fire doors, and 240-minute metal fire doors, CodeGUARD 5 is offered with universal handing and fixings. This is all backed by a three-year guarantee. www.uniononline.co.uk
Door closer’s fire credentials enhanced Samuel Heath’s Powermatic controlled, concealed door closers have undergone full-sized fire testing on both timber and steel fire doors at testing laboratory, Exova Warrington Fire. Thirty-minute testing in accordance with BS EN 1634-1 was undertaken on a timber fire door constructed with a Halspan core to replace Powermatic’s current small-scale indicative testing for the BS476 assessment. The door set continued until final failure occurred at 42 minutes. Significantly, where most timber door fire tests fail due to failure of the hinge/
timber joint, which causes the door to drop and intumescent seal to break at the top of the door, Powermatic was shown to hold the door in place after the hinge/timber joint failure. Most notably, there was no evidence of any significant heat transfer in the vicinity where the closer was installed. The steel fire door test incorporated an uninsulated Teckentrup fire door with Powermatic fitted using receiver plates. Again, testing was undertaken in accordance with BS EN 1634-1, but for the four-hour, FD240 fire rating. The uninsulated steel door passed the four-hour test comfortably. www.samuel-heath.co.uk
New website from Lorient Lorient has created a new website, with a new design and an intuitive site-wide navigation system with enhanced search functionality, enabling quick and easy access to helpful information. The structure of the content has been improved with a new resource centre – home to a CAD and fitting instruction library, FAQs, a glossary and videos and animations. An interactive doorset has been introduced on the homepage, which sets out Lorient’s complementary range of products from architectural seals, air
transfer grilles to ironmongery protection. Lorient’s popular ‘Acoustic Search’ app; which provides access to hundreds of tested acoustic sealing systems on a variety of popular door constructions and configurations, has also been redeveloped in line with the new website, improving both its design and functionality. There’s a host of smaller changes to improve the user experience including newly designed images, datasheets and fitting instructions; a sample ordering device; and a new customer log in area where information
can be saved for future visits. Plus, a finishes tool within certain pages, that displays Lorient’s options for its acoustic, smoke and fire seals and architectural seals. Visitors to the website can
explore a selection of Lorient’s case studies from a diverse range of sectors including commercial, industrial and public buildings. The website will be continually updated with latest news and
developments. It is also fully responsive with mobile devices, making it easy to navigate on a wide range of web browsers and devices. www.lorient.co.uk
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he Royal Academy of Arts has been exhibiting a series of installations that show how virtual and augmented reality technologies can change the experience of buildings and spaces. The four installations were created by architect Gilles Retsin, 3D-scanning studio ScanLAB, designer Keiichi Matsuda and design studio Soft Bodies. Together they form the third and final instalment of Invisible Landscapes, a project by RA curator Gonzalo Herrero Delicado exploring how digital technologies are changing the world. “The last act of Invisible Landscapes explores how the virtual might transform the physical space and vice versa,” the curator explained. Real Virtuality was a new commission from Bartlett School of Architecture tutor Gilles Retsin, whose previous works include a robot-built chair made using a 3D printer, and prototypes for a 3D-printed plastic house.
Virtually art An installation fuses timber construction with augmented reality
The London-based architect combined plywood with digital technology and augmented reality construction techniques, to design and install an interlocking wooden frame inside the Royal Academy’s architecture gallery. It explores the real effects of virtual technology and how augmented reality could be used for fabrication, as opposed to just visualisation. The
The art installation explored how virtual reality actually helped to build a timber construction
project uses Hololens (mixed reality smartglasses) to communicate directly between a digital model and a physical space, resulting in a pre-fabricated design that can be assembled quickly and efficiently. Each building block was made from nine- by 12-millimetre plywood sheets, turned into a kit of parts using a CNC milling machine. These modular forms were then assembled by people wearing Microsoft HoloLens headsets, which allowed for real-time adaptions as the installation was being built. Gilles Retsin commented on the piece that “it is underestimated the degree to which timber construction can be automated and therefore reduce the cost of construction. Combine with digital technologies such as AR and robotics, timber construction can give us a completely new kind of architecture that is both exciting, sustainable and accessible to the many.” n
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Ma de for e a ch o th er. F LUS H B OLT + DROP S E AL Patent applied for No. 1718821.0
Tested for both FD30 and FD60, has acoustic performance and is classified to BS EN 12051: 2000.
True integration. No adaptor kits or workarounds needed. Just simple installation and uncompromised performance.
The new LAS9010 flush bolt integrates effortlessly with our most popular drop seal, the class-leading LAS8001 si. Its unique C-shaped bolt wraps around the end of the drop seal while the shared end plate ensures an elegant finish. A match made in Lorient™
See more at lorientuk.com
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